The Seventh Edition of the International Rain Enhancement Forum kicks off in Abu Dhabi

Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Presidential Court, and in the presence of His Highness Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Chairman of the Presidential Court for Development Affairs and Martyrs' Families, the seventh edition of the International Rain Enhancement Forum, organized by the UAE Research Program for Rain Enhancement Science, kicked off in Abu Dhabi today.

The event will continue until Thursday, January 30, 2025, at Conrad Abu Dhabi, Etihad Towers.

The forum will witness the participation of more than 50 high-level speakers from around the world and attract a group of international experts, decision-makers and researchers to enhance discussions on water security and weather modification.

In a speech by His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, His Excellency Dr. Abdullah Al Mandous, Director General of the National Center of Meteorology and President of the World Meteorological Organization.

His Highness said: “We in the UAE believe that scientific research and innovation are the basis for dealing with reality and future challenges. As a country that believes in the common destiny of all human societies on this planet, we have always been keen to cooperate with everyone to achieve global prosperity and build a better life for all, starting with scientific progress in the fields of space, artificial intelligence, and renewable energy.

We have never neglected the importance of investing and encouraging scientific research in the field of water security and water sustainability.”

To celebrate the 10th anniversary of the establishment of the UAE Research Program for Rain Enhancement Science as a global research initiative specializing in supporting scientific innovation in the fields of weather improvement and rain enhancement, His Highness Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Chairman of the Presidential Court for Development Affairs and Martyrs’ Families, honored a group of prominent figures and local and international institutions that contributed to the establishment of the program and supported its leadership over the past decade.

The list of honorees included His Excellency Dr. Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology, Her Excellency Mariam Al Muhairi, Head of the International Affairs Office at the Presidential Court, His Excellency Ahmed Juma Al Zaabi, Advisor to the President of the State at the Presidential Court, and Mr. Abdullah Al Mangoush, Director of the Water Resources Studies Department at the Office of His Highness the President of the State, who played a pioneering role in launching cloud seeding operations in the UAE in the 1990s.

The list of honored entities included the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Interior, the Ministry of Defense, the General Civil Aviation Authority, the Emirates News Agency (WAM), the Environment Agency - Abu Dhabi, Khalifa University, Abu Dhabi Airports, the World Meteorological Organization, and Science Prime.

His Excellency Dr. Abdulla Al Mandous, Director General of the National Center of Meteorology and President of the World Meteorological Organization, said: “I extend my sincere thanks and appreciation to our wise leadership, which has spared no effort in supporting the National Center of Meteorology and the UAE Research Program for Rain Enhancement Science, and providing all means and capabilities that have had a significant impact on the success of the program’s journey over the past ten years.

The pivotal role played by our country in enhancing international research cooperation has received international recognition that we all cherish, due to its positive and tangible impact on the reality of societies, and building a sustainable future for water security worldwide.”

His Excellency added: “By developing advanced technologies in the field of rain enhancement and sharing them with the scientific community around the world, the UAE seeks to expand the boundaries of scientific knowledge and technical innovation, and bridge knowledge gaps between countries, which opens new horizons for sustainable water resource management worldwide.

Thanks to these efforts, the UAE has become a leading global center in the field of rain enhancement research, as the convening of the seventh session of the International Rain Enhancement Forum today constitutes a prominent global platform to enhance this cooperation and exchange of knowledge In this growing scientific field.”

His Excellency also stressed the UAE’s commitment to continue on this path to achieve water security for all, as the country continues its preparations to host the UN Water Conference in partnership with the Republic of Senegal in 2026.

Through pioneering international initiatives such as the International Rain Enhancement Forum, the country will continue to drive scientific innovation in rain enhancement research and technologies, based on our shared vision to build a more sustainable and prosperous future for all.

For her part, Alia Al Mazrouei, Director of the UAE Research Program for Rain Enhancement Science, said: “Thanks to the generous patronage and unlimited support of His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Presidential Court, and his continuous keenness to provide all the necessary components for the success of the UAE Research Program for Rain Enhancement Science, the program was able, in a short period of time, to achieve tangible achievements in developing new technologies in the field of rain enhancement, and obtaining numerous international patents, which strengthened the UAE’s position as a leading global center for innovation in this vital field.”

The 7th International Rain Enhancement Forum coincides with the 10th anniversary of the establishment of the UAE Rain Enhancement Program, an important milestone in its journey and its ongoing commitment for a decade to developing rain enhancement science and technology as a sustainable solution to water scarcity challenges and enriching water and food security locally and globally.

The program’s investments, which have reached AED 82.6 million to date, have resulted in the completion of 11 research projects and the registration of 8 patents, 3 of which are pending registration, while 3 other research projects are currently being completed. The International Rain Enhancement Forum aims to provide a scientific discussion platform with a global character aimed at enhancing cooperation and innovation in the field of rain enhancement science, where artificial intelligence solutions in the field of improving weather are of particular importance within the forum’s agenda.